In this article we will talk about such an important element of document workflow management in modern information systems (like DocumentLite) as digital signature.
The question on the digital signature always arises when it is necessary to confirm authorship of electronic document. Especially this problem is important in intercorporate document workflow management exchanges, electronic auctions, etc. However if the problem of maintenance of confidentiality in workflow document management is almost solved for today the problem of acknowledgement of authorship and integrity of the document while remains to be not solved.
As the possible decision of the problem of the technology of acknowledgement of authorship and integrity in workflow document management which is based on DS - as a matter of fact, unique code for each author to the message also acts.
The technology of DS in workflow document management is based on steam «a closed key - an open key». The first one is known only to the signature's author, the second one is done both to the author, and the addressee of the message. Accordingly, to confirm authorship it is necessary to calculate value of the digital signature on a special confidential key and to inform its open key to all participants of document circulation who will check your digital signature.
It is necessary to notice that one more feature of application of the digital signature in modern systems of document workflow management like DocumentLite is the organization of the special certifying centers. It is of the necessity of maintenance of trust to received open keys for what in open information systems the special infrastructure of open keys which is based on the digital certificates given out by the Certifying centre - the party which does not participate in the document circulation is used and enjoys confidence of its participants.